Tampa Bay, FL – Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay announced the following community leaders have been selected from more than 213,000 U.S. volunteers to earn the organization’s premier award for volunteerism. Honored with the Bronze Leadership Award are: Brian Adamski, Chief Financial Officer of American Traditions Insurance Company; Michael Attinella, Chief Financial Officer of HSN; Liz Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Bloomin’ Brands; Jose Valiente, Owner of Jose E. Valiente, CPA Consulting and Betsy Whitaker, President of ASSET Management, Inc. Receiving the Silver Leadership Award is Sandra Murman, Hillsborough County Commissioner. Honored as 2016 Legacy Award Recipients are: GTE Financial, Tampa Bay Lightning and Wells Fargo. Receiving the Spirit of Achievement Award is Judy Genshaft, President of University of South Florida and receiving the Outstanding JA Alumnus Award is Sandy Murman, Hillsborough County Commissioner.

“These leaders and partners are a wonderful example of how one person can make such a huge difference in the lives of young people in our community,” said Richard George, president of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay.

“The local business community has been extremely supportive of Junior Achievement’s goal of inspiring local students to succeed in the global economy,” said Richard George. “And these honorees are a remarkable example of that spirit of generosity. In a very real way, they help Tampa Bay’s JA students develop financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work-readiness skills, contribute to the community and participate in the revitalization of the economy.”

The purpose of the Bronze and Silver Leadership Awards is to recognize JA volunteers who have performed outstanding service to Junior Achievement. JA volunteers play a key role in bringing Junior Achievement’s entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and work-readiness programs to life. By sharing their personal and professional experiences and skills with students, volunteers provide positive role models and help students make the connection between whey they learn in school and life after graduation.

Receiving the Spirit of Achievement Award for 2016 is Judy Genshaft, President of the University of South Florida. Judy began her JA career in 2004 serving on the Capital Campaign of JA BizTown. She was awarded the National Bronze Leadership Award in 2013, the Silver in 2015. Under Judy’s leadership, USF has developed into one of the top Junior Achievement volunteer providers with 245 volunteers.

Receiving the 2016 Alumnus of the Year award is Sandy Murman, Hillsborough County Commissioner, District 1. Sandy is a dedicated Junior Achievement Regional Board member since 2011, and a proud JA alumnus from Indiana. Sandy is dedicated to supporting the community and enhancing the lives of children.

In addition to the individual Leadership Award winners, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay will also honor three new Legacy Partners. The JA Legacy Partner Award recognizes outstanding JA Tampa Bay, Inc. supporters who have been committed to providing financial and volunteer resources and continually support the ongoing success of Junior Achievement. These awards will be presented to GTE Financial, Tampa Bay Lightning and Wells Fargo.

These outstanding volunteers will be recognized at the annual Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, presented by Outback Steakhouse and GTE Financial, is on March 3, 2016 at Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay at their Dragon Fire™Grill.

For information on how you can get involved and become a Junior Achievement partner, please visit our website JATampabay.org.

About Junior Achievement USA® (JA)

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches 4.5 million students per year in 113 markets across the United States, with an additional 5.7 million students served by operations in 120 other countries worldwide. Junior Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. Visit www.ja.org for more information.

About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provides relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Last year, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay reached 94,579 students in the Tampa Bay area. Visit jatampabay.org for more information.